Device and associated crack repair system

ABSTRACT

As a result of fashions and improved methods, increasing numbers of users are choosing to renovate or redecorate property. 
     The renovation work typically focuses on repairing existing surfaces and buildings rather than building from scratch. In addition frequently walls may be redecorated or stripped of wallpaper, as users tend towards painted plaster as decoration. 
     As a result, plasterwork may be exposed which is damaged, or cracked. 
     Repairing these cracks is time consuming, and often is ineffective long-term, as some cracks will return when movement pulls apart filler used. 
     A user will need to cut back the plaster, and to prevent reoccurrence of the crack will need to bind the crack together, typically with plaster repair tape. 
     The present invention provides a device and associated crack repair system; said device cutting a crack surround channel, and said system providing a multi-stage process for sealing said channel enclosing said crack.

In contrast the present invention provides a reliable, easily operated and perfected means of achieving a lasting fix, which fix is standardised in its achievement and consequently needs less skilled users and time taken.

Please note; substitute specification includes no new matter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION/SPECIFICATION

According to the present invention there is provided a device and associated crack repair system; said device grinding a crack surround channel, and the said system therewith providing a multistage process for closing said channel and binding said crack.

According to a second aspect of the present invention the device includes a cutting surface or more particularly in preferred embodiments a rotating cutting head, cylinder or roller.

Ideally therefore the device includes electric power and associated motor, in order to drive the cutting head or surface.

In other embodiments the cutting may be manual, for example provided by a planer or blade.

In preferred embodiments the said cutting or rotary power is provided by a rechargeable internal battery, although other embodiments may include mains electric connection in the alternate or addition (FIG. 1.1).

According to a third aspect of the present invention the cutting head or surface will be prevented in use from cutting a channel deeper than a pre-defined depth, for example wherein the cutting head or surface may be mounted proud of the device, or more particularly of a housing. (FIG. 1.9).

In some embodiments the housing may provide a shield to the user, so that the head or surface may not cause damage in inappropriate moments, for example wherein the shield may be encased or surrounded or protected by a sprung mounted shield, which shield is displaced by pressure from the user during cutting.

In other embodiments sprung guide studs or similar may be provided such that the studs will be displaced by pressure in order to allow the surface or head to cut.

In yet further embodiments such guard, studs or other guide will require displacement or interaction in order for the cutting to occur.

Said gauges, guards, studs or other guides may be adjustable in some embodiments.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention the surface or head is provided at a distal end of the housing, in order that the user may hold the housing with both hands or one in front of him or her and against a wall, and project the surface or head in front, if necessary exerting force on the surface or head.

Ideally the surface or head is a cylinder which rotates or is spun and powered by arms or a mechanism of gears or a belt (FIG. 1.11), wherein opening the housing allows the cylinder to be replaced out of and into the arms. In some embodiments the cylinder includes a central spindle, wherein some embodiments may have part or half cylinders for cutting a join between existing plaster and new plasterboard.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention the housing furthermore includes a hinge, wherein the user may be enabled to attack ceilings holding the housing at a different orientation or angle of attack to that of walls, so that accordingly the optimal angle may be achieved (FIG. 1.5+1.6).

The hinge is ideally situated between a handle and the housing, wherein the housing includes a second handle and the two handles may alter in relationship to one another in order to allow different attitudes.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a vacuum cleaner adapter or connector, in order that a vacuum cleaner may be connected in use to remove dust created by cutting. (FIG. 1.14+1.15).

In this way a specifically provided or alternatively in preferred embodiments a standard vacuum cleaner nozzle may be connected to the device to ensure a good bond for any filler by providing a clean surface for bonding.

According to the system the user will cut the channel over and around a crack, at a defined depth, regulated ideally by a guard or guide which may be adjusted in some embodiments.

(FIG. 1.9A). Secondly said channel and crack if necessary may be filled with render, plaster or filler, and thirdly the user would place plastering or other tape over and into the channel, to fourthly skim as required.

This will provide a solid finish that will not be liable to cracking in the future, as the tape will preclude movement across the crack.

In further embodiments there may be use in the alternative or addition of other grips or staples to help bind the crack, said grips being hidden within the ground channel.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it would be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationship for the parts of the invention to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation. Assembly and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown described and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1—shows an exploded isometric view of the preferred embodiment with numbered component information.

The picture and preferred embodiment includes the following, motor, cover, depth gauge, rotating cutting cylinder or head, vacuum cleaner attachment, soft grip handle, 12V rechargeable battery, pivoting handle which make the tool easier to use at different angles, air vents.

A removable cover also acts as a guard and depth gauge wherein the cover acts as a guard when the tool is not in use, but slides back 2 mm when the tool is pressed against the wall and can slide forwards to be removed for changing the cylinder or head as required.

A second embodiment may be focused on reducing the amount of dust that is produced when removing plaster such as using a rotating blade similar to that of a surform to cut out small chunks of plaster rather than the fine dust which is created when using sandpaper. Below such blade is preferably an opening which when a vacuum cleaner is attach will catch and suck in the chunks of plaster.

When attaching the flexible hose which connects the tool to a vacuum, cleaner it may be desirable to improve usability of the tool by providing a second handle to make the tool more comfortable to use for extended periods, and would also allow a greater degree of stability and control.

The preferred embodiment of the device chases out 2 mm of plaster at a width of 60 mm allowing 50 mm plasterer's tape to be placed over the crack to provide a professional repair which will not reappear.

FIG. 2—shows an isometric view of preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3—shows a side view of the preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 4 and 5—show the preferred embodiment from different angles.

When in use, a vacuum cleaner can be attached to the tool in order to reduce the amount of dust produced when cutting plaster. Once the cutting surface is worn, simply open the lid and lift out the cutting cylinder or head and slide on a new cutting cylinder or head. This helps give a clean and even cut with which to repair the crack.

Plasterer's tape is subsequently used to provide a key for the new plaster. New plaster is applied to the repair for a professional finish. 

1. A device and associated crack repair system; said device cutting a crack surround channel, and said system therewith providing a multistage process for sealing said channel and closing said crack.
 2. A device according to claim 1 including a rotating cutting head, cylinder or roller.
 3. A device according to claim 2 wherein said surface will be prevented in use from cutting a channel deeper than a pre-defined depth.
 4. A device according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the surface or head is provided at a distal end of the surface's housing.
 5. A device according to a preceding claim wherein the housing furthermore includes a hinged handle.
 6. A device according to a preceding claim wherein a vacuum cleaner may be connected in use to the housing.
 7. A system, including a device according to a preceding claim, wherein a user will cut a channel over and around a crack, at a pre-defined depth, and use tape of an appropriate width to the channel to bind the crack. 